Have you ever heard of explosive reactive armor (ERA)?1 It is armor that explodes when a weapon hits it. Often it is seen on the outside of tanks. The explosion deflects the lethal impact the weapon would normally have. Do you sometimes find that you react in that manner or do you know someone else that reacts that way? Someone shares something with them that conflicts with their beliefs or assumptions and there is an immediate reaction in a negative way?
Abrams Tank with Explosive Reactive Armor
I believe Jesus was trying to explain that type of phenomenon in people when he referred to new wine in old bottles. The problem is most of us don’t understand what he was saying because the translation in most of the English Bibles isn’t really translated well and also due to the fact that the things in his time period are not things that we currently relate with. I think this video explains this better than I could. It takes humility and an open mind to learn something new. Too often we all let our pride get in the way and we aren’t open to learning something new. I hope to share some things I bet many of you that have come to this blog were never aware of. I hope you actually take the time to read it and/or consider it before you just immediately react like the explosive armor and reject things outright.
Did you know that the Bible has possibly thousands and potentially tens of thousands of errors in it? Some big and some small. Did you know we don’t even have the original documents? Don’t believe me? Listen to one of the experts on the Bible Manuscripts:
Video – Issues with the Bible2
The video may also be found here: http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=ac9_1381120252&comments=1
Now some of you may assume that I am anti-Bible at this point. That would be an assumption that is absolutely false. I LOVE the Bible! All I am trying to point out is that there are problems with the Bible.
Here is another example that backs that video up. There is a historian named Josephus that wrote a book called, “Antiquities of the Jews”,3 which he wrote around 20 years after the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. It was translated into English in the not too distant past. The translator of the English version of Josephus, William Whiston, wrote and included several dissertations based on different subjects in the book. One of the dissertations – Dissertation 4, Whiston asserts that Josephus had access to an original copy of the Bible. He identifies over 70 examples of additions or errors in the current copies of the Bible. Below is an image of the first page of that dissertation (click to view a larger image).
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- Dissertation 4, Josephus
The examples above clearly show that there are issues with relying solely on the Bibles currently in circulation. Does that mean we should disregard all of the teachings in the Bible and not believe in God? In my opinion – No. It does mean, however, that this demonstrates that there is a clear need for more of God’s Word to clarify things.
Let me illustrate along the same lines another subject. Authority. Every business has individuals that are authorized to do certain things. Even in Government, we have those who are authorized to do certain things. Certain individuals are chosen and are authorized to do certain things that affect different aspects of our lives. What happens when someone tries to bypass the authorized systems in place? For example, let’s say you are trying to get through security at an airport to get on a plane and you are required to present a drivers license. Let’s say you present a fake driver’s license and it is discovered that it is a fake. What will happen? It will be rejected and you will not be allowed access to those areas of the airport where folks board the planes and you may very well receive a punishment.
Well, if we have systems of authorized individuals in Government and businesses, wouldn’t it stand to reason that God would also follow that same pattern and have only authorized individuals that are allowed to do certain things? Is Authority important to God and his Kingdom? Let me share some examples that clearly show that Authority IS important to God. The first reference comes from Numbers 16. This scriptural reference refers to Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and 250 other leaders that wanted the same Authority that the tribe of Levi held. This authority is also referred to as the Priesthood. The relevant verses:
Numbers 16 King James Version (KJV)
3 And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the Lord?
4 And when Moses heard it, he fell upon his face:
5 And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the Lord will shew who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him: even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him.
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10 And he hath brought thee near to him, and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee: and seek ye the priesthood also? …
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32 And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods.
33 They, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation…
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35 And there came out a fire from the Lord, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense.
Clearly, the LORD demonstrated to the Israelites that he will be the one that chooses who has the authority or Priesthood. The next example that demonstrates the importance of authority is the story of Uzzah, who touched the holy ark of the covenant in an attempt to prevent it from falling. The family or tribe of the Levites were the only ones who were authorized to touch the ark.
2 Samuel 6 (KJV)
6 And when they came to Nachon’s threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it.
7 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God.
The story continues here:
1 Chronicles 15 (KJV)
2 Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them hath the Lord chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister unto him for ever.
Again, the LORD clearly demonstrates, that one is not to do things that they are not authorized to do. The third example comes from the words of Jesus when speaking to his 12 Apostles:
John 15 (KJV)
16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
In this example, Jesus explains to the 12 Apostles that they did not choose to be chosen as Apostles, but He is the one that did the choosing and ordained them with the authority in the respective office as his Apostles.
Another example from the New Testament:
Mark 1 (KJV)
25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.
26 And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.
27 And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.
What does this show? That even evil spirits recognize and are obedient to Authority.
I have clearly demonstrated that the Bible does indeed contain many errors and/or mistranslations and that Authority from God is definitely important. Why is this important to understand? Well, if there was an answer to those issues, would you not be interested in learning more? I am thrilled to tell you that there are answers to those issues! God in His great love for us, has provided answers to these issues! However, before I continue, let me cover one other very important concept also found in the Bible. That of judgment.
Deut 13 (KJV)
14 Then shalt thou enquire, and make search, and ask diligently; and, behold, if it be truth…
The above scripture shows that when judging a matter, it is not a suggestion, but a commandment to do our due diligence in discovering the truth.
There is another book, comparable to the Bible, that contains the inspired Word of God. This book contains the teachings of Jesus Christ. This book also contains a promise:
“We invite all men everywhere to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if the book is true. Those who pursue this course and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost.”4
I have read the book and asked God if it is true. I have discovered for myself through a witness from the Holy Spirit that it is true. I would invite you to follow the same path. If you follow this path and discover that it is true as I have, I would urge you to join our church through baptism by those authorized to do so. Authority from God HAS been restored to this earth. The Book of Mormon helps to clarify those truths that have been lost. This book does contain the Word of God. Don’t take my word for it. I invite you to make the discovery for yourself. Where can you get a free copy of this book or learn more?
Many, many others have also taken this path and have also discovered the same truths as I have. It IS worth the journey.
References:
[1]: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reactive_armour
[2]: “Misquoting Jesus: Scribes Who Altered Scripture and Readers Who May Never Know.”, http://ehrmanblog.org/misquoting-jesus-bible/
[3]: Google Books Link to Dissertation 4
[4]: “The Book of Mormon”, Introduction, https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/introduction?lang=eng
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